Terrified

mojo09226

My baby was born small (5 lbs 4oz) and we went to a follow up because she was so small they wanted one right away. Well she lost about 9% of her body weight and the doc made me terrified because I know that's tiny. So we are now eaten every 2 hours. I am terrified she's not going to be okay. On top of that I don't feel like eating at all, I only do it to make sure my milk supply comes in. I cry over every tiny little upset all day. Maybe I'm tired, I don't know. Any advice or experience to offer?

nopegoat

Hang in there Momma! The first month or so is super hard after that it gets much easier. With my first I didn't feel like eating either so I made sure I always had a snack and water nearby. Every time he ate, I would snack. I also believe its normal for LO's to lose up to 10% of their body weight after birth. As hard as it may be try not to stress. Keep up the good work!

sleepingbeauty825

Sorry, I'm just lurking, but it's common for babies to lose even more than 10% of their birth weight. It IS scary when they are that small, but just keep putting that baby to your breast. Offer it as often as you can. My DD lost a good chunk of her birth weight and it took her a long time to gain it back, but she did and she is healthy and smart now

 

Don't be terrified, try not to stress. Just keep offering, keep eating, drink lots of water and relax. 

vonne0

Try to relax a little your baby needs you, and you need your strength so you can be there for her. My LO was born at 3 lbs and lost some of his body weight. So he was tiny, but I have been breastfeeding and he is gaining weight. He is 3 months now and weighs 12lbs at last check. We were on the 2 hour feeding schedule as well.

samsterrr

My son was also born small(IUGR and induced three days early), He went down to 5lbs and I was so scared! I always held him and had him wrapped up to keep warm. He was lazy and slept 4 hours. My milk came in fast thank goodness, but just yesterday I realized I wasn't eating much during the day, and I am noticing my supply go down. You arent alone! It gets better! Good luck

sadsadie

No, I'd say given the fragility of your LO's situation, hormones and stress, your reactions are to be expected. It sounds like you know exactly what you need to do, keep nourishing yourself so you can feed your baby. Try to rest (sleep when she sleeps, or at least catnap) and call in friends and family to do the rest. I a sure your LO will be  gaining in no time. Good luck! 

Baby Bouchard

10% weight loss is normal, more than that they'd keep an eye on it. Our DS wasn't tiny, 7.7 at birth, 7 even the day we went home. However at this first Ped appt he had dropped to 6.8 and then 6lbs even. Ped has me bf and then supplement with formula 1oz after each feeding or pump and use that to make sure he was getting enough. We just had a f/u appt and he's up to 8lbs at 4 weeks old so it's working. I hope your schedule works for you and your LO too. It's normal to be stressed and eating is the last thing on my list too, somedays I don't eat anything till 1-2 in the afternoon because I'm so occupied with my DD and DS. Try to at least drink plenty to help your supply. 

If you need an ear we are here.  

rainedrops117

I'm sure it is scary, but hang in there! Like PP said, it is not uncommon to lose 10% of birth weight in the first week or so - as long as your Dr. is keeping a close eye on it and bilirubin (if that is an issue), LO should be fine.  My LO lost more than 10% of his birth weight bc I was having milk issues.  But once we supplemented then my milk came in, he shot up quick the following week. 

Try to keep healthy... your LO needs you.  

cedenton

Other than the being born small part, this sounds just like us (rapid weight loss).  Don't make my mistakes.  Keep her on the boob as much as possible to keep your supply up.  Forget 2-3 hours...put her on the boob every hour or whenever she cries.  You can worry about figuring out her cues later.  Now it's about making sure your supply gets to where it needs to be.  Have your SO feed you himself if he has to. EAT! Spoonfuls of PB, handfuls of nuts, whatever.  The stress and only eating once a day plus being exahusted and trying to stick to 2-3 hr feedings ruined my supply.  Order pizza if your SO isn't around and you can't take the time to make something (assuming your DD is not dairy intolerant).  JUST EAT! And drink water. And sleep when she sleeps even if it's only for 20 or 30 mintues.  Nothing else matters right now.

aylafsu88

Hang in there!  I was in a similar situation when my LO was born.  She was 6 lbs 14 oz and lost 9% of her body weight.  The pedi had me terrified about her weight. I cried every day and I thought I was starving my LO because I was EBF.  I did pump some and gave her bottles of BM so I could know how much she was eating. My LO gained her weight back by 10 days and she has been doing well ever since. Your LO will gain back her body weight and it is OK if it takes her 2 weeks to do so.  It is hard in the beginning and as a FTM we don't know what is normal.  Your LO is going to be fine, just keep feeding her every 2-3 hours and try not to stress out.